Cycling Tips & Stories

Those dark mornings and evenings of Autumn are upon us, and cyclists who don't usually ride in the dusk may find themselves riding in darker and darker conditions.

So it's time to break out the bike lights, both front and back. Why?

A very common myth is that the purpose of a light on a bicycle is to help the cyclist see better. Even manufacturers of the lights believe this myth, as they design lights with a narrow, bright beam, not visible from the side. When cyclists realize that they don't need these lights at night, due to street lights, scattered light, moonlight, or even starlight, they ride without them, and as a result, many get killed. The real purpose of a light on a bike at night is to be seen. Motorists aren't thinking about cyclists at night, and their eyes are blinded by glare and by looking into the headlights of other cars. While the cyclist can see everything, the motorists can't see the cyclist. To ride safely at night, be sure to have lights and reflectors on the front and rear of your bike that are visible from the sides as well, and pay careful attention to any motorists near you who may be drinking, drowsy, or inattentive.

permanent link to article: "Bicycle lighting myths"
posted by Brent Hugh at 9/14/2004 06:33:00 PM |comment on this article